Pea Potato Soup

This recipe was submitted by several individuals.  Aunt Jeanne's version is best known from the time Grandma Kolarik cooked the soup at Aunt Jeanne's house, in Aunt Jeanne's pot, and Uncle Ivan still complained that "it isn't as good as my mother's soup"!  Which just proves that no wife should try to compare her cooking with that of her husband's mother.

In a 3-quart saucepan, melt bacon grease.  Add flour and stir constantly until mixture browns to mocha or light caramel color.  Remove from heat, add water slowly, while stirring, to blend flour mixture (roux) and prevent lumping.  Add cut celery and celery leaves.  Simmer covered for 30 minutes.  Add diced potatoes and continue cooking until potatoes are done.  Add peas and liquid.  Heat thoroughly, season to taste and serve.